Melanocortin research peptides
Melanocortin research covers synthetic analogues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Melanotan I is a linear analogue that binds the MC1 receptor, and the same molecule is the drug substance afamelanotide. Melanotan II is a cyclic analogue that activates several melanocortin receptors. PT-141, also called bremelanotide, acts mainly at the MC3 and MC4 receptors in the brain. Each page lists its cited studies.
How these compare
| Compound | Class | Sizes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanotan II | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (cyclic alpha-MSH analogue) | 10 mg | $79.99 |
| PT-141 | Melanocortin receptor agonist (MC3R and MC4R; cyclic alpha-MSH analogue) | 10 mg | $99.99 |
| Melanotan I | Melanocortin-1 receptor agonist (linear alpha-MSH analogue) | 10 mg | $79.99 |
FAQ
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?
Melanotan I is a linear 13-amino-acid α-MSH analogue that binds the MC1 receptor. Melanotan II is a smaller, cyclic analogue that activates several receptors: MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Melanotan I has the larger clinical record, as the drug substance afamelanotide.
Is Melanotan 2 legal in Australia?
Melanotan II is not registered on the ARTG, and there is no TGA-approved Melanotan II product. Afamelanotide, the drug form of Melanotan I, is registered as Scenesse, an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, but our Melanotan I vial is a research reagent, not Scenesse. We supply all three compounds for laboratory research only.
How is PT-141 related to Melanotan 2?
Both are cyclic α-MSH analogues. PT-141, or bremelanotide, acts mainly at the MC3 and MC4 receptors in the central nervous system rather than on blood vessels. It was approved in the USA in 2019 as Vyleesi, but that approval does not apply here, and it is not registered on the ARTG.
Which formats are available?
Melanotan II and PT-141 come as lyophilised powder in 10 mg vials and as nasal sprays. Melanotan I comes in 10 mg vials. Sizes and prices are on each compound page.